University of Wyoming’s Theatre and Dance department takes on Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” this season with its own unique twist focusing on the community in Laramie. “We have improved on a good thing,” said Professor of Theatre and Dance and director of the production Marsha F. Knight, “It’s an effort of many talents to make the production what it is.” The performance will build upon 2010s western-styled performance at the university, and will feature improvements in terms of costumes and set design, and will be largely inspired by frontier Laramie and community landmarks. “The ballet has a setting in the Ivinson Mansion in the late 1800’s,” said Knight. Knight said, it is this specificity of location and characters that set it apart from the innumerable other interpretations of “The Nutcracker.” The performance is also collaboration with the music department, who will give life to Tchaikovsky’s score. Pulling off the production requires 14 weeks of rehearsal, six days a week and the combined efforts of about 94 cast members, a crew of about 20, a choir of 16 and an orchestra of 53. “Working on my stamina has been really challenging,” said Dance Performance Junior Annaliese Ptacek. According to Ptacek, “The Nutcracker,” while highly technical, is also one of the more expressive ballets. For this season’s performance, Ptacek takes on the highly technical role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, which involves sophisticated pointe work interwoven with complex upper body movements. “It’s a bit like rubbing your tummy and patting your head,” said Ptacek, “I love being expressive in my dancing.” Thus far, according to the Fine Arts Box Office, approximately 200 hundred tickets have been sold per each of the four performances. “Sales in the last week have grown exponentially, especially because of all the little ones involved in the show,” said Music Performance Senior Jolynn Fletcher, “It’s one of the most inclusive performances for the Laramie community.” According to Knight, attending the event will allow university students to become acquainted with the level of productions produced by the Theatre and Dance department. “It will allow students to experience another facet of UW life that you’ve maybe not experienced,” said Knight, “It will likely make you want to see more offerings of the Theatre and Dance students.” For Ptacek, “The Nutcracker” serves as an ideal introduction to the intimidating world of ballet, and an opportunity for students to woo prospective love interests; “It’s a really great first ballet to go to,” said Ptacek, “I feel it would be a really great date night.” UW Theatre and Dance department’s performance of The Nutcracker will take place from December 11th to the 14th in the Arts and Sciences auditorium. Thursday through Saturday performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. while Sunday’s matinee will take place at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and available from the Fine Arts Box Office.
